“We are now waiting on the Government to respond to our strategy. We have proposed a comprehensive package of measures for sustaining every aspect of the Kaikōura marine environment. Amy Adams has received the strategy, and we hope she will recommend support in principle from Cabinet,” says Wichman.

In speeches at Takahanga Marae in Kaikōura both Amy Adams, and Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, praised the work of Te Korowai and said that community led initiatives like this are the way of the future.

Senior government, council officials and Kaikōura Mayor Winston Gray also expressed their support in the informal sessions on the day.

Mayor Gray, referred to by Amy Adams in her speech as “the good sort of Winstone”, spoke of the solid community support the strategy has.

Te Korowai remains keen to see special legislation used to implement the strategy and hopes to hear back from Government about the implementation pathways before Christmas.

“We hope ministers will support us in this, but we have agreed to explore all implementation options with the government. We will let our community, and all those who have made submissions, know as soon as we are informed of the path ahead,” says Wichman.

Te Korowai is made up of a group of Kaikōura based organisations including representatives from Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura (Ngāti Kurī), local fishers (recreational and commercial), tourism operators, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand and others with an interest in the Kaikōura marine environment. Te Korowai has also had the support of local and regional government, relevant government departments, ministries, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the community of Kaikōura.